The government has reached an agreement with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to avert the impending doctors’ strike.
The agreement was finalized during a meeting chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, attended by officials from KMPDU, the Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors (CoG).
The meeting addressed concerns raised in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF).
Key Agreements
- Intern Doctors’ Salaries: Intern doctors will now receive a salary of Ksh206,000, as stipulated in the CBA. According to KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah, the updated salaries are already reflected in December payslips, along with the payment of basic salary arrears.
- Salary Arrears: Fifty percent of the basic salary arrears are being disbursed, with Kwale County leading in implementing payments. Atellah noted that all doctors are expected to receive their payments by Monday, December 23, or Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
- Support for Registrars: A budget of Ksh65 million has been allocated for registrars to aid in their professional development. Atellah urged eligible registrars to submit their documents promptly to access the funds.
- Training Fees: Fees have been paid for 44 doctors to enable them to continue their professional training without financial strain.
Deputy President Kindiki lauded the selfless decision by doctors to call off the planned strike and their willingness to engage constructively with both national and county governments.
“The government values the expertise, sacrifice, and patriotic input of our health workers across the country. The health of every Kenyan citizen remains a top priority,” Kindiki emphasized.
The agreement comes after KMPDU issued a 21-day strike notice, threatening to paralyze operations in public, private, and faith-based hospitals starting December 22, 2024. The union’s demands included the immediate and full payment of intern doctors and the implementation of the 2017 CBA.
KMPDU also called for the fulfillment of promises outlined in the RTWF.
“This progress demonstrates the strength of our union and our commitment to equity, respect, and fairness in the medical profession,” Atellah stated.
With the agreement in place, the government is optimistic about fostering continued collaboration and addressing the challenges facing healthcare professionals across the country.
